Articles

What Type of Injuries Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help with

People may be more familiar with personal injury lawyers and what these attorneys handle than they originally believe. Personal injury lawyers act as legal representation for individuals who claim to have been injured - either psychologically or physically - due to wrongdoing or carelessness on the part of another person, government agency, company, employer or other party. Personal injury counsel will fight on behalf of defendant for financial settlement or repayment due to damages faced. Personal injury lawyers also often work on tort law cases, which include civil wrongs and damages to people's property, reputation and rights.

Here are some of the most common cases personal injury lawyers deal with:

Personal injury lawyers can defend work-related harm claims.A personal injury lawyer can defend work-related harm claims.


Car Accidents
It's common for people to have knowledge of attorneys in terms of injuries resulting from car accidents. People often see examples of these lawyers from television, radio and billboard advertisements. Cases related to injuries stemming from car accidents are some of the most frequent in the United States. Situations involving careless or reckless drivers - those who don't follow the rules of the road or are driving irresponsibly - usually conclude with the driver being held financially responsible for the harm inflicted on the victim, according to All Law.

This isn't always the circumstance, however. There are currently 12 states, plus Puerto Rico, which fall under the no-fault clause. This kind of automobile insurance enables policyholders to recover financial losses from their insurance provider regardless of the person at fault in the accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute. More severe injuries stemming from car accidents, even under no-fault terms, could be found to meet or exceed the threshold for the rule. Personal injury lawyers can help defendants understand these regulations and how the guidelines apply to the case at hand.

Defective Products
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the items they put on the market are safe for customers to use as intended. If their products don't meet these standards and cause injuries, people may be able to recover money for the cost of their damages in a personal injury case. Even if the company wasn't inattentive when developing and creating the item, it can still be held financially liable.

Dog owners can be found financially liable for bites.

Dog Bites
Injuries from animals can have both mental and physical effects on a victim. Although the owner responsibility laws vary by state, people who own dogs are usually financially liable for bites and other harm caused by their pets. By using a personal injury attorney, those injured can sue and recover damages in court. Under strict liability laws, dog owners can be deemed responsible even if their pets have never shown aggression or bitten in the past.

Misdiagnosis
Although doctors are authority figures, they still make mistakes that can cause people serious harm. Sometimes their misdiagnoses can result in loss of life. If situations like this arise, patients should hire a personal injury lawyer to handle the impending case. If failing to diagnose a medical condition caused the circumstances to become even worse, people may be entitled to financial retribution for their trouble. This form of medical malpractice needs to be taken seriously from the very beginning.

Defamation of Character
Untrue statements made in public and perpetuated can lead to a loss of reputation for a person. These cases are very circumstantial, meaning the severity of the situation will have to be proved by the plaintiff. People often hear of these cases when related to celebrities or other persons in the public eye. While private citizens often just need to confirm the false comment and demonstrate financial injury, public personalities often need to find sources of actual malice.

In defamation cases, there are two different types of dishonest and inaccurate claims. The first is libel, which is a written comment. The second is slander, which is spoken or oral declaration. Both kinds of statements are defamatory and can be argued as such in court and for financial retribution, according to Nolo.

Slip and Fall
Injuries sustained from falls are some of the most common forms of personal injury cases. Whether it's a defective structure, wet floor or uneven ground, if it occurs on another person's property, the owner of the property could be held liable for financial damages. These situations can be tricky, as it is normal for people to accidentally trip from time to time. However, it's important for property owners to keep an eye on their real estate and possessions to ensure areas remain as safe as possible for individuals.

To determine a business owner's liability in such cases, Nolo suggests one of the following must be true:

  • The owner of the location or an employee must have caused the worn or torn spot, the spill or any other dangerous surface or item to be underfoot.
  • The owner of the premises or employee was aware of the problematic surface and did nothing to make it safer.
  • The owner or employee should have known about the precarious location because a "reasonable" person maintaining the property would have discovered it and made the necessary repairs.

Work-Related Injuries
Injuries are common in the workplace, but sometimes the severity of the harm results in personal injury suits. Workers' compensation claims are often filed if employees develop an illness due to work conditions or sustain an injury on the job. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for all people who pass through their doors. People filing personal injury allegations in these cases should be sure to see a doctor as soon as the injury occurs and keep track of all documentation of those damages.

Intentional injuries fall under tort law and often come with criminal charges.

Assault, Abuse and Battery
Although many personal injury cases are related to negligence, people can also file suit if someone harms them intentionally. If a person was injured as a result of deliberate violence toward another, that's basis for a claim of this kind.

These situations fall under tort law, which is a civil wrong which causes someone to suffer loss or harm. These cases usually result in legal liability for the person who commits the injury. More often than not, the perpetrator will also face criminal charges for their actions.

Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

People who believe their injuries fall under the umbrella of personal injury should find legal counsel that can help argue their claims in court. As with any other kind of attorney, there are various options available to people who need assistance. When choosing a personal injury lawyer, defendants often base their decision off the following criteria:

  • A strong reputation
  • Clear background check
  • Experience in the field
  • References or referrals from trusted peers
  • Capable support staff
  • A price that fits a person's budget
  • The necessary credentials
  • Transparency regarding all costs and fees
  • Communicative nature
  • Trustworthy personality
  • High level of comfort and willingness to be honest

By selecting a personal injury attorney who meets these guidelines, people can make sure they truly trust their legal representation. A strong and open relationship will help defendants reach the conclusion they seek, or at least one they can accept.

Personal injury lawyers will defend people who claim damages caused with intent or due to negligence - both physically or psychologically. Although these situations can be difficult for people to speak about or relive, their well-being and repayment for damages often depends on their honesty. The best personal injury attorneys will have experience in a variety of situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, defamation and more. To ensure the best results, defendants should select a lawyer who meets predetermined and individual criteria. With legal assistance, people can find both mental and financial relief from an otherwise stressful and challenging situation.

E-Mail